Spelunker HD drops into Euro PSN tomorrow

PS3 owners in Europe interested in extremely methodical, simulated cave exploration will get a treat tomorrow. Tozai Games announced that Spelunker HD will be released on the Euro PSN this week, allowing more challenge-seeking gamers to step into the shoes of gaming's most delicate hero. In retro or modern graphical modes, you'll navigate through dark caves, looking for keys and treasure, while maintaining your air supply and avoiding the spikes, stalactites, ghosts, bats, birds, and short falls that will end your life.

The announcement offers good news for North American spelunkers, as well: the European and American versions will share leaderboards and servers, meaning we'll see an infusion of new players for the up-to-six-player co-op.

Bellevue, Wash.--August 8, 2011--Tozai Games announced that Spelunker HD will launch this Wednesday, August 10th, on the European PlayStation®Network. This devious reimagining of the classic 1983 platformer created by Tim Martin contains all the fun and teeth-grinding challenge of the original, but with bold new 3D graphics, 100 freshly designed levels, and both co-op and competitive multiplayer modes for up to six players. Additionally, SCEE and SCEA players will have shared leaderboards and the ability to play together online - which means someone will always be around to share in your plethora of deaths... er, adventures!
In Spelunker HD, the player navigates each labyrinthine level to reach an ancient statue that stands at the entrance to yet a deeper, more heinous cave. En route, you may operate the archaic mine equipment and ride the automated machinery to aid in your quest. You'll collect a plethora of items and power-ups, encounter a vast array of creatures, and detonate bombs and launch flares as you run, jump and climb your way ever deeper. When nostalgia strikes, an option to play in the original 2D graphic style is also available.

Spelunker HD received a PlayStation Store Top Sales Award when it first became available in Japan in 2009. It also received a truckload of critical acclaim in North America including a Best of 2010 award from JC Fletcher of Joystiq.

"Spelunker HD is the most finely tuned and compulsively enjoyable game I've played this year," says Trent Fingland of GameCritics.com. "Easily among the best I've played since first picking up a controller."

"Spelunker HD is a masterpiece," added Eric Guadara from PSNStores.com. "It takes the challenging aspects of an old-school platforming game and wraps it up in a shiny new package."

Spelunker HD launches Wednesday, August 10 on the European PlayStation Network for €9.99. Playstation Plus members will receive a 20% promotional discount for two weeks following release.

To participate in a live Q&A session with the Tozai Games team, visit the official Playstation Blog Europe at http://blog.eu.playstation.com/. The Spelunker HD Q&A session will be running on August 9th, 2011 at 12 noon London time.

For more information on Spelunker HD, including a complete history of the Spelunker game and an interactive look at wacky Spelunker fandom, please visit http://www.spelunker-hd.com/.

You can also visit the Spelunker HD Facebook page at:http://www.facebook.com/SpelunkerHD

Spelunker HD Info

Description

Spelunker HD closely follows Timothy Martinâ€™s brilliant original effort of 1983, even down to the quirky level-scrolling scheme that forces the explorer to get dangerously close to the screen edges. All of the cursed original enemies and terrain threats remain, but with so many new additions Iâ€™ve lost count. It boasts 100 all-new levels set in 10 newly designed HD worlds, plus the familiar explorer who is liable to pass out from lacing up his boots too tightly: Spelunker may have the weakest character in all of gaming!